10 Reviews: Best Refine Serums for Acne (Dec 2023)
Here are the top acne refining serums recommendations for your skin issues. See the difference and claim it right now!
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A. F. Fauziyah
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updated on
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price $7.99 - $169.00
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
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The Ordinary |
2
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SkinCeuticals |
3
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Rose Ingleton MD |
4
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The Inkey List |
5
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Paula's Choice |
6
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Glowbiotics MD |
7
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Skinbetter Science |
8
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Versine Skincare |
9
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CeraVe |
10
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Poppy Austin |
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Product Name | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion | Phloretin CF Gel | Blemish Control Booster | Niacinamide Oil Control Serum | Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum | Acne Clarifying Refining Treatment | Alto Defense Serum 30 ml | Calm & Hydrate Serum for Acne-Prone Skin | Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture | Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin |
Features | Eliminate acne and anti-aging serum | Treats both acne and age indicators | Helps unclog pores and combat acne | Serum for controlling excess oil | Water-light texture and contains powerful antioxidants | Efficiently clarifies, brightens, and calms irritated skin | Lightweight, potent, and cutting-edge serum | Good for combination and oily skin | Resurfacing serum to polish your skin | Remove acne scars in a powerful and gradual way |
ITEM FORM | Serum | Gel | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum |
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Glycerin, Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, etc | Phloretin, L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid, etc | Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, etc | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Propanediol, etc | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glyco, etc | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc | Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, etc | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Squalane, etc | Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dimethicone, etc | Vit C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol & Salicylic Acid, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Combination and Dry | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Sensitive | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Oily | Oily | Combination and Oily | Combination and Oily | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Oily | Combination and Oily | Oily, Sensitive, and Dry | Oily |
VOLUME | 30ml | 30ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 30 ml | 60 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
price | $10.50 | $169.00 | $70.00 | $7.99 | $34.85 | $72.00 | $160.00 | $80.00 | $16.00 | $24.99 |
Buy at | view product on The ordinary view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on SkinCeuticals view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Rose Ingleton MD view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on The Inkey List view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Paula's Choice view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Glowbiotics MD view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Skinbetter Science view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Versine Skincare view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
Yep, you may throw up your hands, shrugging emoji-style, and declare, “All serums are the same!” It’s a simple assumption to make, but it’s not correct. While many serums feel and look the same, they do not all perform the same function. Some are designed specifically for dry skin, while others concentrate on battling the symptoms of age. These functions include providing a very concentrated and robust dose of active chemicals to the skin while addressing various skin problems. Because of that, here we compiled the Best Refine Serums for Acne for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, and oily, to make it easier for you to pick a product!
Table of contents
Product list
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: Eliminate acne and anti-aging serum
- SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel: Treats both acne and age indicators
- Rose Ingleton MD Blemish Control Booster: Helps unclog pores and combat acne
- The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum: Serum for controlling excess oil
- Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum: Water-light texture and contains powerful antioxidants
- Glowbiotics MD Acne Clarifying Refining Treatment: Efficiently clarifies, brightens, and calms irritated skin
- Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum 30 ml: Lightweight, potent, and cutting-edge serum
- Versine Skincare Calm & Hydrate Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Good for combination and oily skin
- CeraVe Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture: Resurfacing serum to polish your skin
- Poppy Austin Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin: Remove acne scars in a powerful and gradual way
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some matters you wanna know
What are the best acne serum ingredients?
It can be obtained from acne serums that include glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as they are in general excellent to aid in pore cleaning and quickening cell turnover. Besides that, Niacinamide and other antioxidants also may help reduce any redness and hyperpigmentation linked to acne scars.
How to pick the right serum for your acne skin?
All you have to do is know your skin type and adjust it to the ingredients in the skincare you want to use. So, you can carry out routine maintenance according to the prescribed dose.
Is serum for acne skin safe if used regularly?
Each serum has its provisions for the dosage of its use, so it would be nice if used according to the recommendations of the product you use. Usually, it uses two times a day which are in the afternoon and at night.
How to check the safety of the serum for acne skin?
To do a patch test, apply a small quantity of the serum to the inner arm and wait 24 hours to check if there are any negative responses. One thing to consider; you shouldn’t use the serum for longer if there are symptoms of an adverse reaction.
10 Reviews: Best Refine Serums for Acne (Dec 2023)

1.The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Eliminate acne and anti-aging serum
First of all, the top product is The Ordinary-Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. It has two separate forms of retinoids, a kind of vitamin A, that may aid in treating acne and preventing outward symptoms of aging. Users of this thin, alcohol-free emulsion can become more susceptible to UV rays. When starting utilizing it, some individuals may also notice a brief rise in acne. This serum should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing, as is the case with other retinoid-containing treatments.
"I used their retinoid in squalene for almost a year, and it worked pretty well and never made me break out, although sometimes it dried out my skin........isn't irritating at all........"
by Lee
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Glycerin, Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Combination and Dry |
VOLUME | 30ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

2.SkinCeuticals
Phloretin CF Gel
Treats both acne and age indicators
After the top one, the second product is Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel. This serum is designed to lighten dark spots, even out face tone, and improve skin texture. The ingredients like phloretin, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 10% pure vitamin C are all present in this product, which can provide advanced environmental protection and diminish the appearance of skin discoloration and fine lines, overall tone improvement and smoothness. In addition, it aims to prevent skin damage through free radical oxidation. Don’t worry, this serum is safe to use after shaving and is fragrance-free.
"SkinCeuticals does it again! This is a perfect product for skin that is maturing. I love putting it on each morning and knowing my skin is protected. This is the bomb, really!"
by betht49
ITEM FORM | Gel |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Phloretin, L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Sensitive |
VOLUME | 30ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

3.Rose Ingleton MD
Blemish Control Booster
Helps unclog pores and combat acne
The third recommendation for acne skin care is Blemish Control Booster by Rose Ingleton MD. This product has a good rating in several marketplaces for acne prevention because this serum contains niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acid, and turmeric powder and also features a unique Jamaican super fruit blend in addition to glycolic lactic, malic, and hyaluronic acids. What’s more, the benefits of this serum can make the skin more smooth, and healthy-looking skin helps unclog pores, and combat acne.
"Very effective in treating my adult acne"
by Shamecia B
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

4.The Inkey List
Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Serum for controlling excess oil
Move on to the next product, the ideal serum for controlling excess oil, blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation on oily skin. Additionally, it is simple to layer into your skincare regimen. Its natural B3 vitamin Niacinamide content aids in the efficient reduction of excess oil, pimples, and redness. It has a thin consistency and contains hyaluronic acid in its formulation for excellent delivery and further hydration.
"Before using this brand I used to have so many blackheads. So many products helped with my skin, including this Serum"
by Irina E
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Propanediol, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

5.Paula's Choice
Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Water-light texture and contains powerful antioxidants
Paula’s Choice is a brand that is well known for its good skin care products, because they have a water-light texture that absorbs quickly, contains powerful antioxidants, skin-restoring elements to fight age, dramatically tighten skin, and significantly boost moisture. It used the highest-quality substances in this skincare to see whether they can help acne-prone skin, as well as brighten, moisturize, and refine skin.
"Lightly moisturizes, brightens, and tightens pores. Great for combo skin."
by JO
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glyco, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Combination and Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

6.Glowbiotics MD
Acne Clarifying Refining Treatment
Efficiently clarifies, brightens, and calms irritated skin
Are you still battling facial acne that won’t go away? This potent combination of probiotics, calming active agents, and skin lighteners in acne treatment can clear your acne-prone skin and reduce outbreaks. Take it easy, this product is specially made for those with problematic or acne-prone skin as it also efficiently clarifies, brightens, and calms irritated skin.
"My pimples are not all gone but they are significantly reduced. I have been using it for about a week. Skin is smoother as a result of a reduction in acne"
by nadenebarker
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Combination and Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

7.Skinbetter Science
Alto Defense Serum 30 ml
Lightweight, potent, and cutting-edge serum
A lightweight, potent, cutting-edge serum that includes 19 different antioxidants to shield your skin from free radicals that cause fine lines and cell damage. The item seeks to protect the skin from damage brought on by free radicals and delay the onset of aging. You can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy for a long. It’s a seamless, essential component of your skin-care regimen. Apply this all over your face before applying sunscreen before you go out.
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Dry, Normal, Combination, and Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

8.Versine Skincare
Calm & Hydrate Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Good for combination and oily skin
The company develops products to attain a brighter, healthier-looking complexion and enhance the appearance of post-inflammatory dark spots. Because the serum’s components have a pH-balanced and effective recipe, it may treat acne caused by pregnancy, combination, and oily skin. Apart from that, Versine uses plant-derived ingredients, and some separation is natural. So, it can be used safely based on the prescribed dose.
"Easy to use, feel safe, and it's working! I'm so grateful that I found Versine."
by Jessie L
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Squalane, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Combination and Oily |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

9.CeraVe
Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture
Resurfacing serum to polish your skin
Even after your acne is under control, acne scars and uneven skin tone can constantly remind you of your outbreak. Well, it is a smooth yet efficient resurfacing serum that works to polish your skin without compromising its barrier. It is an excellent technique for reducing the appearance of acne spots, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and visible pores. What’s more, this product can help produce smooth and soft skin if used continuously and regularly.
"Been using this for over 2 weeks now and it’s reduced my scars and I’m noticing less breakout too.. doesn’t make your skin dry either. Great product!"
by Pooja
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dimethicone, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Oily, Sensitive, and Dry |
VOLUME | 30 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |

10.Poppy Austin
Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin
Remove acne scars in a powerful and gradual way
Poppy Austin’s facial serum for acne-prone skin is made with natural ingredients that are ideal for hyperpigmented and acne-prone skin. One of the natural ingredients used is niacinamide which is proven to be able to remove acne scars in a powerful, gradual way, penetrates deep into the layers of the skin, helps disguise dark spots significantly, and restores your youth. Just give this serum a shot, then see the result for a matter of weeks.
"I have been using Poppy Austin Best Vitamin C Serum for Face for approximately 2 months, and am highly pleased. My skin is clearer, brighter, and altogether happier......."
by tealady1
ITEM FORM | Serum |
---|---|
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | Vit C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol & Salicylic Acid, etc |
SKIN TYPE | Oily |
VOLUME | 60 ml |
EASY TO USE | YES |
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Conclusion
All in all.....
Of the several serums mentioned above, each product has its advantages, lower prices, more complete ingredients, and others. To get maximum results, the first thing that should be done is to know what type of skin you have to determine an excellent serum to apply to the face. In addition, regular use according to the dosage is also essential to provide maximum results. Thus, don’t hesitate to pick one of the Best Refine Serums for Acne from our list above. Good luck!